One way to achieve optimum health is to eat right and eat well. From organic to gluten-free, nutritionists and health experts have been providing a long list of what to eat and what to avoid.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maoshing Ni believes that health, energy, and longevity can be achieved by including spices in our everyday meals. He compiles it in his book entitled "Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100".
According to Dr. Ni, the spices that you need to include in your regular diet are the following:
Garlic
Studies have shown that garlic helps ward off heart disease by improving cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. The National Health and Medical Research Council has confirmed that daily consumption of half to one garlic clove can help reduce cholesterol levels by up to 10%. Garlic also has natural anti-bacterial properties, helping treat minor infections.
Curry
A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, curry is instrumental in improving joint health. Curry contains turmeric, which has an active component called curcumin. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor. Curry is also anti-amyloid, which means that it fights off protein build-up in the brain tissue, preventing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's.
One study involving 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis found no difference between ibuprofen use and curry intake; participants who took 800mg of ibuprofen and those who took 2g Curcuma domestica extract all displayed improvements in terms of walking and climbing stairs.
Cinnamon
Asian culture has long regarded cinnamon as a healing herb, which goes a long way back to centuries ago. The West is keeping up, with recent studies linking cinnamon to lowered blood sugar. Cinnamon polyphenois has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and LDL cholesterol levels. The spice is also capable to detoxify the system and enhance brain function.
Star Anise
This star-shaped spice used to stimulate the flavor in meat dishes and soups helps aid digestion. It is also an effective remedy for rheumatism and is a powerful immune system boost.